Thai troops have not yet seized control of the Ta Kwai ancient temple, but have occupied additional areas around it, according to Army Spokesman Maj-Gen Winthai Suvaree today.
He said that, before the ceasefire agreement came into effect at midnight on July 28, Thai troops tried to seize both Ta Kwai and ‘Mount 350’, which is regarded as a strategic point overlooking the temple.
He did not, however, anticipate that the two targets would be so heavily mined, resulting in injuries to a number of Thai soldiers.
Additionally, due to the time constraint as the ceasefire deadline approached, he said Thai troops were withdrawn for their safety and morale, adding that ‘Mount 350’ was used as a base by Cambodian forces from which to shell the temple and its vicinity.
He disclosed, however, that Thai troops have seized additional areas around the Ta Kwai Temple, which are also of strategic importance as they overlook the temple. The two opposing forces are now on either side of the temple, he added.
Meanwhile, it is reported that Cambodian troop reinforcements have been sent to the temple and are planning to erect a barbed-wire fence around it, as Thai troops build a fence around the Ta Muen Thome Temple.
Regarding the 20 captured Cambodian soldiers, including two who are injured and are being treated at an army hospital in Muang district of Surin, the Second Army said that all of them will be tried on charges of illegal entry, which is considered a minor offence, punishable by fines and expulsion from the country.
The Cambodian government has demanded their release.
